Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of football finances, heading an elite group of ten players whose combined earnings for 2025 total an astonishing $945 million, according to Forbes lates list.

The 40-year-old Portuguese icon tops the rankings for the sixth time in a decade, powered by his mega-deal in the Saudi Pro League. While legends like Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate, two young phenoms are signalling a generational shift in the sport?s financial hierarchy.

Here is a breakdown of the 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025:

Cristiano Ronaldo ? $280 million

The 40-year-old Portuguese legend remains the world?s highest-paid footballer, earning a total of $280 million this year.

On-field earnings: $230m from Al-Nassr

Off-field earnings: $50m from endorsements and business ventures

Ronaldo?s global brand ? boasting over one billion social media followers ? keeps him at the summit for the sixth time in a decade.

Lionel Messi ? $130 million

Inter Miami?s talisman continues to shine in the MLS, pulling in $130 million in total earnings.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $70m

Messi?s partnerships with Adidas, Lay?s, and Mastercard make him the only MLS-based player on this list.

Karim Benzema ? $104 million

Now leading Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema earns around $104 million this season.

On-field earnings: $100m

Off-field earnings: $4m

The 2022 Ballon d?Or winner left Real Madrid for one of football?s most lucrative contracts.

Kylian Mbapp? ? $95 million

The French superstar continues to combine elite performance with savvy investments.

On-field earnings: $80m

Off-field earnings: $15m

Mbapp? holds stakes in companies like Loewe and owns 80% of French club Caen, positioning himself for life beyond football.

Erling Haaland ? $80 million

Manchester City?s goal machine earns $80 million annually.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $20m

The Norwegian striker?s Nike deal and Premier League dominance make him one of football?s most marketable athletes.

Vin?cius J?nior ? $60 million

Real Madrid?s Brazilian star pockets $60 million, thanks to both his club salary and major brand deals.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $15m

He?s partnered with Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada Eyewear ? and continues to rise as a global football icon.

Mohamed Salah ? $55 million

Liverpool?s Egyptian star remains one of the Premier League?s biggest earners at $55 million.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Salah?s leadership helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and his global appeal remains unmatched in Africa.

Sadio Man? ? $54 million

The Senegalese forward earns $54 million, mostly from his deal with Al-Nassr.

On-field earnings: $50m

Off-field earnings: $4m

Despite leaving Europe, Man??s star power and philanthropy keep him among football?s elite earners.

Jude Bellingham ? $44 million

The English midfielder?s meteoric rise continues at Real Madrid with $44 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $35m

Off-field earnings: $9m

After winning the Champions League and La Liga, Bellingham signed partnerships with Adidas and Louis Vuitton.

Lamine Yamal ? $43 million

At just 18, Barcelona?s prodigy enters the top 10 with $43 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $33m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Yamal recently signed a new contract, took over Bar?a?s iconic No. 10 shirt, and landed deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, and Powerade. (Business Day)

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